Bread

This bread is called fougasse, and is the French equivalent of Italian focaccia. If you don’t like olives or rosemary, simply leave them out and have it plain. You could also try adding other flavourings, such as sun-dried tomatoes, anchovies, cocked bacon, ham, cheese, thyme or oregano. Makes 2 loaves Note

Makes 1 loaf This bread, adapted from a recipe by Jim Lahey of New York’s famous Sullivan Street Bakery, calls for very little yeast, a soft, slack dough, a long rising time and baking in a covered preheated pot. For a crisper crust, reduce the length of time the pot is covered to 20 minutes, […]

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Patties suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Croutes are best assembled close to serving. Note

Suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave. Note

Royal reds are deep-sea prawns always sold peeled – they are a cheaper alternative to other varieties. 200g extra uncooked prawns, shelled, could be used, if preferred. Note

Use wholemeal bread if you prefer. Note

Steam helps the souffle to rise and cook evenly, so place a dish of water on the bottom shelf of the oven while cooking. A teaspoon of mustard added to the butter and flour mix enhances the flavour. Note

To enhance the flavor of the rolls, add a pinch of salt to the flour when sifting. You can make these rolls in the food processor using the ‘pulse’ action, if you like. Note

This sweetened bread studded with colourful dyed hard boiled eggs makes a gorgeous centrepiece for an Orthodox Easter Sunday feast.

The frankfurter wrap is a healthy alternative to the calorie overload that is the classic hot dog.

This Turkish-style pide is a versatile flatbread, great for a quick lunch. Serve a large loaf with your favourite middle-eastern dips.

To make meatballs instead, roll mixture into balls. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Bake in a moderate oven, 180°C, 20-25 minutes. Note

Vegetarian , super easy To make individual dampers, shape dough into 8 balls and place on prepared tray. Bake for 18-20 mins. Note

Smothered in peas and topped with mozzarella this is a feel good lunch or share plate.

You can top these muffins with other favourite fruits – try mango, strawberries or sliced, grilled pineapple. Note

It’s possible for the bread to become too soggy with egg mixture – so dip it in to coat, then whip it straight out again to drain. Note

Refresh or reheat scrolls by wrapping in foil lined with baking paper and placing in a preheated 200°C or 180°C fan oven for 6-8 mins, until warmed through. Note

Irish soda bread gets its rise from baking soda rather than yeast, so you can enjoy warm bread with minimal prep and under 20 minutes in the oven

Store in an airtight container lined with absorbent paper for up to 2 days. Refresh or reheat by wrapping loaf in foil and placing in a preheated 200C or 180C fan oven for 12-15 mins, until warmed through. To freeze, wrap loaf tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag, and freeze for up to […]

Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) are available from the Asian section of most supermarkets or from Asian grocers. Note

Bresaola is an italian air-dried beef. If you can’t find it, prosciutto makes a good substitute. Note

These bread plaits are fun for all ages and so simple to make.

Croque monsieur is a traditional French hot sandwich snack. It’s usually filled with bechamel sauce, but this version simply uses eggs to soak the bread. You can make a Croque Madame by placing a fried egg on top! Note

You can use the oil from the canned tuna in the recipe. This is a great recipe when you want to use up leftover or stale bread. Note

Sprinkle with combined sesame of poppy seeds and sea salt, if desired. Note

makes 20 Grissini will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. To refresh grissini after a few days, spray with water, then place in preheated oven, 180°C/160°C fan-forced, for 5 minutes. Note

If you don’t have semolina, use polenta or plain flour; or lightly oil the baking tray. To vary recipe, use different herbs or replace olives with semi-dried tomatoes. If not serving at once, cool on a wire rack or base will become soggy. Note

After kneading sticky dough, rub hands with extra flour to dry-clean before washing. Dough should be soft and sticky. Knead with a light touch until it is just combined. Note

Gluten-free self-raising flour is in the health food aisle. To yield 1 cup of mashed pumpkin, you’ll need to boil about 1/4 of a butternut pumpkin. Note

If you use leftover mashed potato, you may need to reduce the quantity of milk. Note

Serve this loaf for brunch or lunch, topped with shaved prosciutto and sliced tomato. Note

Let the bewitching aroma of baking bread fill your kitchen with this delicious, easy recipe from Alexa Johnston

Let the bewitching aroma of baking bread fill your kitchen with this delicious, easy recipe from Alexa Johnston

Whole star anise is available from Asian grocery stores and delis; you can use a cinnamon stick instead. You’ll need about 900g rhubarb (pre-trimmed weight). Setting point: To test if jam is ready for bottling, spoon a little onto cold saucer and freeze for a few minutes until cool. Run finger through jam. If surface […]

Make a double batch. Freeze bread for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge. You can bake the corn bread in a 21x11cm loaf pan; cooking time will vary. Note

Legumes, including canned beans, are excellent food for people with diabetes to keep in the pantry as they have a low GI. Note

Also delicious with smoked chicken. Note

Bread absorbs liquid on standing. Note

Replace cajun seasoning with taco seasoning. You can use topside or round steak, or chicken thigh fillets. Note

Use a food processor to combine butter with flour, but don’t over-process. Note

Make ahead: Prepare a double quantity uncooked patties for another dinner. DIY idea: Try Turkish pide rolls instead. Note

Budget tip: Combine 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and a pinch of dried oregano for homemade Greek dressing. DIY idea: Try pork leg steaks instead of lamb. Use any bread, such as sourdough, multigrain or pita bread. Save time: Use bought croutons You’ll need about three-quarters of a parsley bunch. Note

Alexa Johnston bakes a dainty afternoon tea

To prevent pear discolouring, drizzle with orange juice. Note

For a great way to use up leftover ham that is simply delicious, follow this recipe to create Croque monsieur - the gourmet French version of a toasted ham and cheese sandwich.

We used gluten-free chorizo sausages; check the label as some chorizo contains gluten. Note

This traditional hand-rolled Turkish flatbread is filled with spinach and best served with a squeeze of lemon.

Look far banana chips in the health food aisle of major supermarkets or at health food stores. Replace walnuts with pecans or brazil nuts. Note

Add juicy sweet raspberries to this banana bread recipe for a twist on this breakfast classic. This moist and sweet banana bread gets an extra zing from the added raspberries.

If yeast mixture doesn’t become frothy, discard it and start again. Note